DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT ON PROGRESS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT ON PROGRESS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GENEVESI OGIOGIO CENTRE FOR INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT/ NEPAD AGENCY Africa Regional Preparatory Conference, Rio+20 UNCC, Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia 20-25 October 2011 DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

2. OVERVIEW This presentation provides highlights of the Draft Africa Review Report on Progress towards SD. � The Report: � Sums up efforts made by the continent from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (The Earth Summit) held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, through the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) held in Johannesburg, South Africa to Rio+20. Provides a guide to the extent to which Africa region has fared in the implementation of internationally agreed commitments on sustainable development, a development path that has become inexorable given the imperative to reconcile economic, social and environmental objectives on the continent, in the region and within countries. Based on documents by UNECA, UNEP, Africa Progress Report 2011 by the Africa Progress Panel, NEPAD Agency, among numerous other sources. Still essentially a working document. Edit, update, incorporate reports for Central and North Africa. � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

3. Overview (contd.) Structure of the Report: � The main Report consists of 6 core sections: Introduction Concept of SD � Definition and Pillars Implementation of SD Commitments � Progress and Challenges 1992-2002 2002- Date Sub-regional performance Overall performance Interlinkages Among SD Pillars Means of Implementing SD Commitments Conclusion and Recommendations DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

4. Overview (contd.) � SD Commitments: � Agenda 21, Rio Summit of 3-14 June 1992 (The Earth Summit) Programme for further Implementation of Agenda 21 of 1977 (PFIA 21) Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), 26 August-4 September 2002 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), September 2000 Paris Declaration, March 2005 and Accra Agenda for Action, September 2008 � Reviews A12 was reviewed in 1997 (first 5 years) WSSD, 2002 (10-year review of A21) Rio+20 (20-year review of A21. Other commitments) � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

5. Overview (contd.) CONCEPT OF SD: Concern and Definition � Concern dates back some 50 years: � Rachel Carson in 1962 in her work (Silent Spring) pointed to the environmentally destructive nature of development when she distressingly stated that �Man�s attitude toward nature is today critically important, simply because of his new found power to destroy it�we now wage war on other organisms, turning against them all the terrible armaments of modern chemistry, and we assume a right to push whole species to the brink of extinction�� � The world has come a long way ever since with efforts to consciously connect the economic, social and environmental components into an integrated development process that is referred to as sustainable development. �Definition of SD In 1987, the United Nations released the Brundtland Report, which put forward one of the most widely recognized definitions of SD: "Sustainable development as development, which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs�. The Brundtland Commission, formally the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), known by the name of its Chairperson, former Norwegian Prime Minister, Mrs. Gro Harlem Brundtland, was convened by the United Nations in 1983. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

6. Overview (contd.) Pillars of Sustainable Development � Analysis of the concept of SD is generally based on three component pillars, namely, economic, social and environmental sustainability. On these, there is a strong consensus. This Report stresses the role and importance of governance and institutions as a possible fourth pillar in the African regional context. Hence, the components examined are Governance and Institutions, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability and Environmental Sustainability. � Our concern was focused on: Good governance and Sustainable development institutions and strategies, as well as space for participation in SD. � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

7. PERFORMANCE REVIEW � The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) provided a political platform and programs to drive the transition from conventional to sustainable development. Agenda 21 was accepted by more than 178 governments in 1992. The commitments were reinforced by the 1997 Program for further Implementation of Agenda 21 (PFIA21). Further impetus was provided by the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation that the WSSD gave rise to in 2002. There is evidence that progress toward achieving the goals of sustainable development spelled out in these framework documents occurred, albeit slower than anticipated. � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

8. AFRICA�S PERFORMANCE: FIRST DECADE, 1992-2002 More than 95% of African countries had ratified the Rio conventions. These are the: Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change UN Convention to Combat Desertification. National policies and laws relating to environment and development had been agreed upon and international environmental treaties had been signed by the majority of African countries. Countries had begun to reflect on the development of National Sustainable Development Strategies. A number of other countries had passed policies and laws that addressed issues related to sustainable development - environmental impact assessment; sustainable use of water, forests, and biodiversity; and management of solid wastes. At the local level a number of sustainable development activities were being implemented in some 28 African countries. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

9. Africa�s Performance, 1992-2002 (contd.) Regional level During this period OAU was transformed into AU. The AU represents the strongest expression of the continent�s aspirations and commitment to enhance economic, political and social integration in the development of the region in order to reduce and improve the quality of life; promote democracy and good governance; as well as resolve and manage conflicts. NEPAD came into being 2001. It remains a pledge by African leaders to address the continent�s multi-faceted development challenges for the achievement of the MDGs and sustainable development. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

10. Box 1: AU-NEPAD SD FRAMEWORKS � � AU-NEPAD AFRICA�s SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS � �The Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Africa�s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA) Environmental Action Plan (EAP) Sub-Regional Environmental Action Plans (SREAPs) NEPAD Infrastructure Short-Term Action Plan (STAP) NEPAD Spatial Development Programme (SDP) NEPAD Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) AU-NEPAD Capacity Development Strategic Framework (CDSF) AU Gender Policy Framework Framework for Engendering NEPAD and Regional Economic Communities AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa Policy Framework for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) AU-NEPAD Health Strategy � � Source: NPCA, NEPAD: A Continental Thrust � Advancing Africa�s Development, 2011 � � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

11. Box 2: AU-NEPAD Action Plan, 2010-2015 � � AU-NEPAD ACTION PLAN, 2010-2015 � The AU-NEPAD African Action Plan, 2010-2015 is drawn over nine sectors, which address the region�s sustainable development challenges. The sectors are: Infrastructure � energy, water and sanitation, transport, and information and communication technology Agriculture and Food Security Human Resource Development � health, education, youth development, and social affairs Science and Technology Trade, Industry, Market Access and Private Sector Development Environment, Climate Change and Tourism Governance, Public Administration, Peace and Security Capacity Development Gender Development � � Source: NPCA, NEPAD: A Continental Thrust � Advancing Africa�s Development, 2011 � � � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

12. Africa�s Performance, 1992-2002 (contd.) At sub-regional level �Regional infrastructure development to promote trade and integration. Land policy reforms were undertaken to protect and rehabilitate land resources. Formation of working groups to promote sustainable forestry management. Adoption of regional approaches to integrate water resources development and management in response to recurrent droughts, growing water demand and water pollution ( sustainable management of water resources). � Progress over the period 1992-2002 was characterized by 3 major trends: First, the concept of sustainable development prompted a shift from a focus on single isolated issues to an appreciation of the complex interactions between a wide range of environmental and developmental factors. This marked a transition to sustainability. Second, there was a movement from international top-down normative guidelines to national institution-building and more local level approaches. Third, the requirements for implementing sustainable development as contained in Agenda 21 and PFIA 21 placed emphasis on the development and sharing of scientific and technical knowledge. This resulted in an increase in research interest by public and private institutions globally. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

13. Africa�s Performance, 1992-2002 (contd.) � Response Areas There was a strong need to: Strengthen institutional frameworks most countries for coordination among ministries and across sectors. Improve coordination among governments, NGOs and the private sector. Develop appropriate legal frameworks. Step up national consultation prior to signing international agreements and develop appropriate human and institutional capacity to translate these agreements into actionable programs. Address poverty, illiteracy and lack of awareness in the development and implementation of sustainable development programs. Effectively mainstream gender in sustainable development. Strengthen vision and commitment by leaders to implement sustainable development strategies, policies and programmes. Better integration of the principles of sustainable development into national policies and development programmes. A strong step forward in the formulation of major strategic and operational programs for sustainable development. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

14. Response Areas (contd.) A guide on a system of sustainable development indicators that could be applied by all countries for comparability of results. These should be included in official national statistics for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation of performance. Strong institutional and research support to strengthen integration of economic, social and environmental sectors for sustainable development. Reforms to include sustainable development issues in educational curricular at all levels. Improved cooperation and coordination among state agencies and all stakeholders including civil society organizations in the development of sustainable development policies and strategic plans at national and sub-national levels; inter-sectoral coordination committees and task forces; and strengthened national councils and committees for sustainable development to guide the development and implementation of programs for Agenda 21 and JPOI commitments. Accessible development information network on sustainable development issues. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

15. Response Areas (contd.) Integrated regional sustainable development framework and action plans across the five sub-regions and well-articulated continental, regional, national and local sustainable development agendas to drive and guide efforts on sustainable development. More stakeholder engagement through conferences, seminars, workshops and media to raise awareness and create space for open discussion of issues. Intervention in capacity building to support the sustainable development process. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

16. AFRICA�S PERFORMANCE: 2002-2010/11 PERFORMANCE BY PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT � Governance and Institutions The dark years of personalized power, prevalence of unaccountable and authoritarian governments, violation of human rights, rampant corruption, absence of the rule of law, massive state intervention in the economy and lack of decentralization of responsibilities and resources are forever gone in Africa. The continent is today making strides in the building of democratic institutions and will continue to pursue efforts at good governance within the context of activities of the AU, the APRM and interventions by the Regional Economic Communities, which have been very instrumental in addressing issues of conflict and peace management. The APRM has completed a number of country reviews that have provided important insights into governance and institutional issues as well as invaluable lessons. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

17. � BOX 2: THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM � The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) came into operation in 2003 as a NEPAD initiative and has been a remarkable success in the promotion of good governance in the region. Though voluntary, some 30 countries have acceded to the mechanism and 14 have been reviewed and are implementing the resultant national plans of action. � The APRM focuses on four areas, namely: � Democracy and good political governance: The aim is to ensure that countries in the region: Have constitutions that reflect the democratic ethos Provide accountable governance Promote political representation in a free and fair political environment � Economic governance and management: Which seeks to promote: Transparency in financial management as a pre-requisite for sustainable economic growth and poverty eradication. Corporate governance: Geared towards promoting: Ethical principles, values and practices that are in line with broader social and economic goals to benefit all citizens Socio-economic development: Which assesses the extent: Democracy, good governance, peace and security as well as the development of human and natural resources contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable social development. � APRM has helped to raise awareness to governance issues in the region such as corruption, gender inequality and youth unemployment. At the end of the first decade of the APRM, 2013, it should integrate a fifth area, which should look at governance with respect to the environment. � � � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

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19. Governance and Institutions Political Governance Means of Political Transition - Elections Expansion of democratic space Improvement of consultative processes Institutional Frameworks Regional, sub-regional and national institutions are in place and being strengthened Strategic Policy and Program Frameworks have been developed Consultative processes at all levels and stakeholder representations have improved DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

20. Sustainable Economic Growth There was strong positive annual real growth in gross domestic product (GDP). Performance however varied widely across sub-regions and countries. For instance, countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda with average annual GDP growth rate of over 9.6% in 2008 were strong indications that results are being achieved in the region. Countries in the East Africa sub-region were the fastest growing economies in Africa and the developing world. Countries in other sub-regions made overall modest positive annual real growth in GDP. In other sectors of the economic pillar, regulatory reforms and investment programmes in the energy, transport, water and ICT sub-sectors produced tangible results. In all cases, however the growth did not lead to job creation. Youth and graduate unemployment remained a major challenge. Poverty levels remained high. Some of the highest, measured by the proportion of population living on $1.25 per day in 2009, included 84% (Liberia), 67% (The Gambia), 65% (Niger) and 57% (Benin). Food insecurity threatened achievement of MDG 1 UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) and the Human Poverty Index (HPI) also showed that extreme poverty existed in a number of countries, which included Liberia, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger and Sierra Leone. Success in the sectors (Agriculture and Infrastructure) remained a major challenge. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

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23. Sustainable Social Development There was slight decline in total fertility. Infant mortality rates improved across all sub-regions, but more in countries with better social and economic conditions. Improvements in access to water and sanitation were achieved though these were not substantial. Some best-practice cases included The Gambia and Cape Verde with more than 80% of the population having access to clean water. HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis remained a major threat to lives especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Illiteracy rates fell significantly in Southern Africa, but remained high in West Africa. Net primary enrolment rate rose over the period for both sexes, though gender gap still persisted. Most countries registered progress in closing the gender gap in education and employment and good progress was made to attain the CEDAW and Beijing Platform for Action targets. The region thus performed fairly well on MDG 2 and 3 on achieving universal primary education, and promoting gender equality and empowering women respectively. Progress for MDGs 4, 5, 6 and 7 was however slow. There was a slip in some cases like HIV/AIDS as results achieved could not be sustained. Several of the health targets, including those related to child and maternal mortality, access to reproductive health and the incidence of malaria and other diseases did progress, though slowly and insufficiently. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

24. Sustainable Environmental Development Sustainable Environmental Development: � Countries in the region were signatories to many of the international conventions and protocols, which deal with sustainable development. This was a sign of commitment to sustainable environmental development. Countries were signatories to the following: UN Convention on Biological Diversity Convention to Combat Desertification UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety Kyoto Protocol Basel Convention Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and African-led Bamako Convention on Trans-Boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes. Endorsed NEPAD Environment Action Plan Countries developed strategies and action plans and programmes to combat desertification, reduce biodiversity loss, and adapt to and mitigate climate change. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

25. Environmental Dev. (contd.) Countries developed environmental action plans and undertook environmental impact assessments. Natural resource accounting is being planned. Community-based natural resources management programmes are in place in sub-regions like West Africa to ensure that communities fully participated in the planning and management of natural resources from which they derived livelihoods. River basins organizations were set up to manage trans-boundary natural resources. For instance, 12 countries in the Guinea Current Large Marine ecosystem belt are participating in a programme to reduce coastal pollution, restore fisheries and improve coastal biodiversity. In the area of climate change, climate services centres were established. Mitigation and adaptation strategies to climate variability are being adopted. Many countries across the region have met their commitment under the Dakar Declaration to ban leaded gasoline by the end of 2005. Within the framework of NEPAD environmental initiative, programmes focusing on priority environmental issues were prepared to enhance regional implementation dimension and to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing environmental problems. State of the Environment Report (SOER) adopted by many countries with the support of UNEP as an important instrument to review the dynamic relationship between the economy and the state of the environment of the countries. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

26. Environmental Dev. (contd.) Despite efforts biodiversity was under threat from natural habitat loss, loss of species or subspecies, invasion by alien species and lack of recognition of indigenous knowledge and property rights. Environmental Assessment Reports showed that there was an increase in environmental degradation arising from erosion, landslides and physical degradation. Forest resources were also rapidly disappearing and with them the biodiversity resources they held. Encroachment, human settlements, over-grazing and recurrent droughts all contributed to undermining the forest and woodland resources in the sub-regions. Thus on the environmental pillar, the sub-regions were faced with poor performance. The efforts were long on policy and institutional frameworks, but short on commitment and implementation. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

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28. CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMITMENTS � There was weak institutional framework for coordination. Many of the institutions performing the coordination roles did not have the requirements of a NCSD due to environmental bias. Inadequacy of financial resources for programme implementation � domestic resource mobilization and external resources (ODA, FDI) � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

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32. Challenges and Constraints in the Implementation of Commitments (contd.) Lack of a sizeable and effective private sector � a key to employment and wealth creation Critical shortage of human, institutional, knowledge-based and technical implementation capacity to facilitate transition from conventional to sustainable development. Also required was technology transfer. Sustenance of HIV/AIDS by continuing unsafe sex, harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, uvulectomy, blood-letting, skin cutting and piercing practices. Rising shortage of water Food, fertilizer and energy crises Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. Climate change causing reduced rainfall and hotter temperatures, among others Unfolding global debt crisis in the advanced economies. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

33. CONCLUSION AND ECOMMENDATIONS This Report concludes that the Africa region made measurable progress in the implementation of commitments in respect of Agenda 21, the Programme for Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. With strong and sustained political commitment, well-laid out strategies, enhanced awareness and involvement of national and sub-regional stakeholders and heightened consciousness of the need and benefits of sustainable development across the region, the results over the two decades would have been more robust. � To take the efforts of the region to the next level, among others, this Report recommends the following: � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

34. Conclusion and Recommendations (contd.) Institutional and Policy Framework for Sustainable Development � NEPAD as a framework for sustainable development in the region should continue to be upheld and its programmes adequately funded for the achievement of results for Africans. What Africans need are development results. National and regional development strategies should be driven by sustainable development frameworks to allow for targets to be set for achievement of sustainable development objectives. Countries and RECs should not simply integrate sustainable development objectives and policies in their development strategies. Present national sustainable development strategies should be made more comprehensive. The AU should see to it that all countries in the region develop comprehensive national sustainable development strategies and implementation plans with clear milestones for the achievement of results in each of the pillars of sustainable development. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

35. Conclusion and Recommendations (contd.) Leadership and Political Commitment � Effective political leadership is at the heart of the drive for sustainable development. The region needs renewed commitment by African leaders to sustainable development. The emergence of a new generation of leaders should be encouraged through credible electoral processes, which respond to the need for change, reforms and new perspectives in the pursuit of sustainable development. Countries in the region need to step up awareness of the issues in sustainable development and provide appropriate incentives to encourage participation by all national stakeholders. Leaders in all sectors of economy and society must take the lead in promoting sustainable development-compliant practices and ensure commitment by all stakeholders. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

36. Conclusion and Recommendations (contd.) Governance, Processes and Programmes � There is a need to develop and implement a comprehensive program on sustainable development which could be built on the current NEPAD program. The ten-year review of NEPAD program provides an excellent opportunity for sustainable development perspectives to be integrated. The sustainability element of the program should be strengthened and implementation of its various components anchored on integrated and interlinkages approaches. The APRM is a good initiative for strengthening governance in the region. All countries should to accede to it and put up themselves for review. An Africa Sustainable Development Fund (ASDF) should earmark resources to assist countries implement the resulting national plans of action (NPoA) from the APRM reviews. Only countries with NPoA should qualify for access to resources from the ASDF. The APRM process should now include measures for assessing the extent of sustainable development-compliance of policies and programmes in its national plans of action. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

37. Conclusion and Recommendations (contd.) Human and Institutional Capacity Framework �The Africa region needs a new capacity development strategy that will respond with clear results to the needs of sustainable development. Most of the present frameworks are inappropriate and need revisiting for alignment to the sustainable development needs. Institutional capacity to deliver on the new strategy should be strengthened. The operational capacities of NEPAD Agency and the APRM Secretariat should be substantially enhanced. The structure, operations and capacity of NEPAD Agency in particular will need to be revisited for it to play a robust role as an AU think tank and assist to drive the sustainable development agenda at the regional level. NPCA should be strengthened to lead implementation, monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development commitments in the NEPAD agenda. It should have a regional capacity development strategy that is aligned with the four pillars of sustainable development and should be in a position to offer technical support to the RECs and countries in developing and implementing sustainable development-compliant policies and programmes. To this end, the AU-NEPAD Capacity Development Strategic Framework should be substantially revised to provide a basis for the building of capacity for implementing sustainable development commitments. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

38. Human and Institutional Capacity UNEP needs to be transformed and strengthened into a full-fledged regional institution to provide technical guide sustainable environmental development in the region. It should be appropriately capacitated and resourced to undertake this responsibility. Educational curricular should be reformed to include the development of knowledge and skills for sustainable development at all levels. Major private sector firms should be encouraged to endow chairs in sustainable development in universities in the region. Regional and sub-regional institutions, including NGOs, which promote Africa�s sustainable development agenda need to be strengthened. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

39. Conclusion and Recommendations(contd.) Financial Resources � Africa needs substantial financial and technical resources to meet requirements for sustainable development. A funding window within present development assistance frameworks should encourage the creation of an Africa Sustainable Development Fund (ASDF) to assist with special interventions. Clear eligibility criteria should be in place for access to Fund resources. The Fund will provide stimulus for priority areas, which could include capacity development and reform of institutions and processes; research and development to support innovations and generation of new knowledge; exploration of policy options and testing of efficacy of environmental taxes; developing mechanisms for technology transfer, adaptation and application; and infrastructural policy reforms. Country level sustainable national development trust funds should be created as joint venture between the government and the private sector to provide resources for joint research and development programmes to be carried out in institutions of higher learning and specialized research centres on various issues in sustainable development. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

40. Conclusion and Recommendations (contd.) Partnerships and Shared Responsibilities � There is need for support and incentives for firms to engage in innovative processes, apply cleaner technologies, and invest in R&D. International trade will need to respond to the needs of SD. It will be essential to remove barriers to trade in clean technologies as well as to the entry of new firms. There is also the need for more effective and inclusive multilateral co-operation on science, technology and the development of new knowledge. National, regional and global institutions as well as development partners must work together to assist African countries achieve sustainable development goals.. � DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

41. Conclusion and Recommendations (contd.) Integration, Monitoring and Evaluation of Programmes and Performance � UNECA should: Enhance its work in promoting balanced integration of the three pillars of sustainable development in the region. Lead other regional institutions in the development and application of monitoring and evaluation frameworks for sustainable development in the region, the development of a database to facilitate performance tracking, and the provision of technical support to countries on sustainable development strategy, policy and programmes. Continue to lead consultative meetings and processes to monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of commitments by the region. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

42. Conclusion and Recommendations (contd.) Encourage platforms for all-stakeholders� dialogue on sustainable development at all levels, in order to promote a common understanding of what sustainable development means in the Africa regional context and how best to implement commitments and share lessons of experience, so as to determine what works and what does not work and why. Be strengthened and supported to effectively implement its sustainable development-related mandates at the regional and sub-regional levels in a manner that will benefit member states and yield tangible sustainable development outcomes. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

43. Concluding Statement Sustainable development is not an option in the choice of routes to the transformation of national economies and societies. It is a challenge that has to be addressed for long-term survival. DRAFT AFRICA REVIEW REPORT, RIO+20

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